Our {not so} Little Family::The Butler's

Hi!

2011-05-29T22:05:00.004-07:00

Okay! So an update post is lOOOOOOOOOOng overdue!!!
Where in the world do I begin!?!
Hmmmm... maybe I'll start at the top. This could get very lengthy :)
We'll start with Justin, Alisha & Aiden. They have moved to the valley (Phoeinix). Justin and Alisha are both working. Recently Aiden was coming up with Callie and I for a visit, and we were in a car accident on our way out of Mesa. Gratefully we weren't hurt! (just the car)
Matt, Ashley and the boys have moved to Hallsville, TX. Matt is working on the Fire Department in Longview. He just finished his first semester of Paramedic training, and will finish up this fall. Gage has his last day of preschool this week and turns 5 very soon, so it's Kindergarten this fall! Garret is very happy to announce that he will have a baby sister this fall as well!!! Yay for the Broomall's :) Ash has been very sick with this one, but she is so happy to balance out the gender count in her home (;
Jamison, Monica and Trenton live 10 mins down the road from the Broomall's in Longview, TX. Jamison graduated from Paramedic training in Dallas this April. He was salutatorian of his class and was just .8 behind the valedictorian! He is working at the Longview Fire Dept as a Paramedic. So proud of him for doing so well.
Monica will be having their little girl next month! We are so excited to be welcoming more grand-daughters! Trenton talks up a storm! The boys love getting together to play!
Micah is living in Scottsdale and just finished up a semester of school. We get to see him every now and then and love it when we do.
Amber and Ian moved to Wyoming at the end of March! We miss having the little man here at the house with us! (we miss Amber too!)
Marcus reports to the MTC July 6. He has been called to serve in Resistencia Argentina! He wil be missed greatly!!! Last year he had the opportunity to baptize his friend Matt Mauff, who will be leaving for the Scotland-Ireland mission 30 days behind Marcus. Marcus and his friends have loved a tradition of "temple tuesday" for the last several months. Wonderful <3
Elsie has finished up her Junior year of high school and is now officially a senior! She has been taking classes through the high school that have earned her 12 college credits so far and by the end of her senior year, will be 24!
Burke has grown quite a bit! My baby boy is looking more like a full grown man!!! He is 15 and is looking forward to football season next fall. He is quite the cook & loves it! He is such a help around the house that way!
Emma just finished 7th grade. This year she was very busy. She was on the dance team, played volleyball & basketball. Recently, she tried out for the spirit line (cheer/dance) and made the team for next year. Also, she was selected as the student of the year! Such a sweetheart <3
Haley, Hayden & Brin have had a great time at the same school together, but next year Haley will be moving up! They are such sweet little girls and growing much too fast!
Callie had eye surgery in March which has made it to where she can see in front of herself without having to turn her head. She also had a second set of tubes put in her ears a week and a half ago, which improved her hearing dramatically! For which we are so grateful!!! She never ceases to amaze us, and never lets us get to bored! Tonight we spent a couple of hours at the urgent care clinic after she fell and cut open her eye just beneath her brow. A little bit of dermabond, a stuffed monkey & some blue magic and she's home playing with the girls and doing better! (mom didn't do so well with all the blood! got a little bit whoosy)
Jeff is still working for Swift training drivers for them. He is only able to come through about once a week, but will be taking two weeks vacation soon. Recently he was recognized for having a high retention ratio for the drivers that he has trained. We all got a kick... he had his first female student Lolita not long ago!
I stay exceptionally busy, and have been taking classes at the local community college. I have been making knives, which I love. I hope to have my Assoc. of Arts degree by Spring 2013 semester, that will transfer over to one of the 3 universties in Arizona for a Bachelor of Arts degree.
We will be going to Schlitterbahn water park in Texas for our family vacation and are pleased that Marcus will be able to do that with us before he leaves! We hope to be joined by at least of few of the kids and grandkids! Wish they could all come with us!

2010-12-10T11:38:00.001-07:00

It’s Christmas time… the most wonderful time of year… the season of giving… the season of joy! But why? What is it all about?

I can only tell you what it has come to mean to me in my own life…

My earliest recollection of Christmas time, is gatherings with an abundance of family and loved ones… with much holiday cheer, decorations, Christmas candy, oranges and nuts, gifts galore and a seemingly endless supply of holiday food, including my Aunt Caren’s pink and green “ribbon sandwiches”. (pink was the closest the baker could get the bread to Christmas red (;)

I loved the shopping, the decorations, the smells, the sounds, the excitement of it all! So fun, so merry! All the festivities! From reenacting the manger scene and the birth of baby Jesus, to the wonderment, listening to hear bells jingle, and the sound of reindeer paws signaling that Santa was near!!! Especially when there was snow or a chimney at hand! I even remember years making a fireplace of cardboard and crayons, not wanting to miss out on this special visitor! (Even today, I think what a thrill it would be to be found kissing Santa under the mistletoe :)

But what did it all really mean? Yes, giving does help the giver to find happiness, along with the winsome receiver, but where did it all begin? It wouldn’t be till I was much older that I would begin to have any understanding of what it truly has come to mean to me, although I’ve enjoyed and looked forward to most every one.

For me, I have to go back to my earliest memories of life… I remember feeling all curled up inside and crying inside as well. I just know that there was this warmth, this comfort… unseen yet more real than any other thing! I had no name for it, nor any understanding of the source. I needed none!!! I just knew that it brought me peace and comfort in my suffering. As I have grown, it has remained constant. Eventually, through my religious upbringing, I came to attribute it to God. God being to me collectively, the Creator of All living, One Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the unseen spirit of comfort and bearer of All truth.

My thoughts of God, or as I frequently refer to as My Nearest and Dearest… run through every facet of my life and every part of who I am. At the times in my life I have felt, hurt, rejected, sad, disappointed, misunderstood or even unloved by those around me, the very intimate comfort to my soul has brought me peace, comfort, understanding, forgiving and healing, and has never left me comfortless.

Through personally pouring over ancient text of many that have gone before me, I have developed a very personal, yet not entirely unique view of what Christmas means to me.

It means to me that above all… there is love… Love in each human heart. Love that gives and love that longs to be received… Love symbolized by the innocence of a new born babe… born not to a high regal estate, but instead, in a lowly place to meek young, inexperienced parents, said to be conceived of God, the Father not only of this babe that would come to be called by many, Lord and Savior of the world, but also of each man, woman and child that would come into this world, the place we call our earthly home.

What makes the name of Christ so worthy of praise and celebration to me is this… In His life as recorded in ancient writ… He was not a stranger to suffering, to pain, to the difficulties, heart ache and sadness of this existence. Yet from His attitude, His approach and actions in the face of adversity, I have found something worthy of adopting or at least attempting to emulate. The endless love, the continual giving, thinking of others when Himself in pain and anguish of both body and soul. Reaching out to those in need, defying what we think we know of the laws of nature. Performing what we refer to as miracles and proclaiming that we would be able to do the same and more if we would simply believe… I do believe!!! And through believing.. by faith in things unseen that are real to me, I have witnessed the mighty arm of God made bare in the “miracle” of my youngest, Callie and in many many other unceasing ways. Tender mercies I attribute to God’s love in my life and His desire for me to have happiness.

I feel to sing and rejoice of One I look to not only as Savior of All, through His undying love for us, His brothers and sisters, but also as Friend… not only at this time of year, but the year throughout, year upon year so long as I shall exist or know anything… The idea that He came to ransom us from “sin” … guilt, shame sickness, suffering and all other troubles if we would look to Him and believe is a source of comfort and peace in my life and has saved me and continues to be a source of peace and comfort to me from day to day. I for one look forward with hope to the day that the day He comes to rule the earth in justice, love and peace.

It is from these feelings of my heart that I share the following lines from various of my favorite songs of Christmas. Some may be very familiar to you and some I’m sure will not be… All of which I would love to be sharing with you in a very close personal way. Not knowing of the possibility of this… I choose to share Christmas with you in this way than the alternative… not at all…

First, from O Little Town of Bethlehem…

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given…

So God impart to human hearts the blessings of His heaven…

Where meek souls will receive Him, Still… the dear Christ enters in…

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

…and in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on Earth, Isaid…

…then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, not does He sleep

…till ringing, singing on it’s way, the world revolved from night to Day!

A voice a chime, a chant sublime, Of Peace on Earth… Good will to men.

Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains

Lord with the Angels we too would rejoice,

Help us to sing with a Heart and Voice J

Joy to the World

Let Earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and Nature sing…

Angels We have Heard on High

Gloria in Excelsis Deo! ~ Glory to God in the Highest!

Peace on Earth Good will to men.

Mary Did you Know?

               Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Were you There?

Where you there? Where you there
On that Christmas night?
When the world was filled with a holy light?
Where you there to behold as the wonder foretold
Came to Earth?

Did you see? Did you see?
How they hailed him king?
With their gifts so rare that they chose to bring?
Did you see how they bowed as they praised him aloud
At his birth?

Did you hear how the choirs of angels sang
At the glory of the sight?
Did you hear how the bells of Heaven rang
All through the night?

Did you know, did you know
It was God's own son?
The salvation of the world begun?
Did you know it was love that was sent from above
To the Earth?

Did you know it was love that was sent from above
To the Earth?

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Light and Life to All He brings. Risen! With healing in His wings!

Mild, He lays His glory by. Born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth.

Hark the Herald Angels sing. Glory to the newborn King.

For Unto us a Son is Born from Handel’s Messiah

…and the government shall be upon His shoulders.

And His name shall be called… Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God,

The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!!!

This is my Chrismas gift to you!!! May Love and Peace fill your homes and your hearts this special time of year and the coming year through!!!

May God keep you and yours safe and prosper you!!!

With Much Love,

Dana

Reader's Digest Update :)

2010-11-01T09:38:00.002-07:00

WOW!!! I'm so behind on this, I don't even know where to begin to catch up!
Life stays so busy and crazy, with it's UPs and DOWNs...
One thing for starters, one of my most recent blogs was the end of football season last year I think.
Well, we've gone through another season of football. At least with Burke's freshman team. He mostly played center, where he started in most every game. They have had a great team and have completed another great season, being undefeated their 3rd year in a row.
We just celebrated Jeff's 49th bday this weekend as well as all the Halloween dress up fun! I don't think that I ate one piece of Halloween candy this weekend!
Matt got on the fire dept in Longview Texas and now Ash and the boys are living there with him!!! Jamison is going to a 6 mo full-time Paramedic training in Dallas, which puts half our grandchildren and two of our kids and their spouses in Texas!
Justin, Alisha and Aiden, Amber and Ian are still here in town with us thank goodness!!! Love the grandkids and having the kids around!
Marcus is working and getting close to filling out his mission papers. He was recently ordained an Elder. It was his priviledge to baptize his friend Matt Mauff, get his partriarchal blessing at the same time as Matt (my priviledge to be there) and also ordain his cousin Jacob as a Elder <3
Elsie continues to keep everyone in line and laughing (when we're not scared running from her :)
Emma was on the 7th grade Dance team and is now on the 7th grade volleyball team! It's so fun to watch her <3
Haley, Hayden and Brin (and Mom ;) have gone through withdrawls this past school year without Emma to get the girls ready for school and out the door! But it's being good for them to have to take responsibility for themselves and not always have Em to take up the slack for them!
Callie continues to improve and constantly has us laughing!!! She has started to open her left eye randomly on her own!!! She never ceases to amaze us!
The only class I'm taking this semester is metal art (my 3rd semester). I'm learning more blade making techniques under a Master Swordsmith, and loving it!
Jeff has been on a different fleet for the past several months and we don't see him quite as much, maybe once a week... hopefully that will change soon!
Can't think of much else to put for now... I'll try to get some pictures on soon! I just put some from the weekend on my facebook page if anyone wants to check them out, this is the URL http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=76467&id=1608946752
Take care... and our love to ALL!!!

Children and Vehicle Safety

2010-09-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today, Callie & I were a part of a press conference from Phoenix Children's Hospital. The subject is children and vehicle safety. I little piece will be on the 4:00 5:00 & 6:00 news tonight in case anyone is interested in seeing it.For those of you that miss I will inquire aoubt a link to pull it up after the fact. Thank you for all your love & support!~Dana & family

Football Season Coming To a Close

2009-11-08T18:18:00.002-07:00

Marcus is in the final stages of his senior year football season.
He starts Offensive Tackle. He has done well in his position and has been dubbed "MB Master Blocker". Our family has enjoyed watching him play through his Jr. High & High School years. Callie suprisingly is a MAJOR Cougar fan & steals the show when nearby fans catch her cheering right along with the cheerleaders & yelling out "go Show Low", "go Cougars" and putting her fingers to her mouth as she emits an exceptionally shrill sound that is a nearly perfect imitation of my whistling.
Conference games ended last week and last night was the first and thankfully not their last game in state playoffs. They played against Estrella Foothills and came away with a 34-10 win.
Next week they will be up against Winslow at Campo Verde High School. The game will be at 4pm for anyone interested in going. Playoffs are single elimination, so of course we are hoping to see a win there. The final state playoff game will be the Sat. after Thanksgiving! We hope to see the Cougars there, we shall see! One week at a time.
We also enjoyed watching Burke play this year and look forward to him playing in High School next year. He starts as center and they ended their 8th grade season undefeated. They were also undefeated their 7th grade year also. For those of you familiar with our region, yes, that means that they beat Blue Ridge, something we hope continues throughout their HS years! It is especially fun for me to watch their group. They have played school yard and neighborhood football together all their years, and I have had some of the other boys in cub scouts over the years.
We also enjoy attending concerts for Marcus, Elsie, Burke & Emma. They are all in choir and Burke & Emma play in the band.
Marcus & Elsie got to perform this past week at the State Fair. Fun! Fun!
It brought back the memory of leaving the hospital to go see Marcus perform there last year.
Feast of Carols practice will be starting soon, and we are looking forward to that. They are having a dessert night with much lower price & also have lowered the dinner tickets by $5 per person. Anyone interested in going, let me know. It's fun to go and sit together. We thoroughly enjoy it every year we attend.
May blessings attend you ALL!!!

from my metal art & creative writing classes

2009-10-29T12:40:00.003-07:00

Metal Art Music

Tink tink tink

Pum pum pum

Tata tata tata tat

Ding ding ding ding ding

Rat a tat a tat

Buzz

Sizzle

Roar

Thunk thunk thunk

Hummm

Through my spongy electric green ear plugs, I hear music.

…the tink tink tink of Mr. Noble’s hammer as he pushes wrenched metal smooth.

… the pum pum pum of the rawhide mallet mashing steel.

… the tata tata tata tat of the ball peen on the rivet, James is working so hard to set.

…the ding ding ding ding ding ding of the planisher as Hillary stretches out the fine details of her wings.

… the rat a tat tat as I weild the rounding hammer to push out the edges of my bowl.

…the buzz of the grinder used to polish the metal’s surface fluid.

… the sizzling torch as Gary melds two halves into a whole.

… the roar of the fiery forge, who’s white hot flames temper black iron red.

... the thunk thunk thunk as James presses and shapes the red-hot iron.

… the hummm of the mighty furnace pushing out torrid heat to add to our steamy sweat.

Listen to the music, as we precisely pound out distinct contoured images from sheets of steel.

BIG NEWS!!!!!

2009-10-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

WOW!!!
We are SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!
Recently Callie has been forming up to 3-4 word sentences
as regular conversation for her :) which is a BIG thing for her!
Then this morning she zipped up her pajamas after a diaper change!!! Yeah for her!
The BIGGEST news of the day has been over 1 year in coming. At the appt week before last, her Neurologist had not talked about the possibility of regaining the damaged nerve function, which we have previously thought was the 3rd & 7th nerve, and recently learned that she is also lacking 5th nerve function.
She has been to an Institute one time so far (Gifford Health Institute in Gilbert AZ run by Dr. Kevin Gifford), where they do therapy targeted to stimulate nerves that lack proper function. We have been doing some of the therapy here at home. We hope to get her back soon & frequent. She has also been receiving electrical facial stimulation to the left side of her face aimed to stimulate the damaged nerves, and hopefully "Wake up" the left side of her face! She pats her left cheek and says "Wake up Face!", she also says "tickle" when they apply the devises & sometimes clamps her little hand tight to her cheek & will NOT allow them to apply their "tickle tortuous" devices until bribed with a sucker! (the dum dum or tootsie variety :)

So, for the big news.... this morning she coughed, and her left eye squinched down tight every time she coughed and we have been noticing all morning how she is having general MOVEMENT on the left side of her face!!!!
It isn't in balance with the right side yet, but it is a very GREAT beginning!!!! and we are OH SOOOOO HAPPY about it!!!

I for got to post this!

2009-09-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

Marcus, Burke, Callie & Gage after the game Friday night!
GO Big GREEN !!!

Na Na Na Na!

2009-09-14T10:40:00.002-07:00

(Sorry the pictures are sideways, but I had to post them anyway!)
This morning Callie was in her high chair eating breakfast! Jeff & I were talking about high school football, when she had all she wanted, she stood up & sang so clearly, "na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey hey!" She cracks me up! That must be what she remebered from the football game on Friday!
I guess I'll take a minute to brag on the boys... Marcus & Burke are, both playing this year, Marcus as OT & kick off team & Burke plays center & defensive linebacker & kick off team. They also are both #56 (makes it easy on me :) & both of their teams are undefeated so far this season! I'm really enjoy football season :)
Anyway, Callie was just too cute this morning to not share!
Have a wonderful day!!!

Our Year of Miracles

2009-09-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today marks One full year from the day of Callie's accident!
We have been sooooo blessed in so many ways & by so many people.
I feel that I have never adequately been able to show our thanks.
We have decided as a family that we would like to have a

Come & go Open House to honor this year with Callie
Sunday September 13, 2009
from Noon to Nine
in our home.

The invitation is to EVERYONE of you & anyone you feel would be interested to come!
We have been so AMAZED by the journey & feel that many have been touched
by the experience with Callie & ALL have been blessed that have been touched by it.
Please come & join us in our Joy for the year we have had with Callie.

If you would like to come & don't know where we live, please leave a comment & how you would like to be contacted & we will get directions to you.

2009-07-14T13:57:00.004-07:00

I know it has been such a long time since I have posted... We have been having a wonderful summer! Callie is doing so well & is making so much progress. Even though she still has challenges with her left eye, we continue to hold out hope for it one day to be a "thing of the past". We love you and continue to be blessed by each of you in our lives. Life is so precious! May you all have a wonderful summer and may your lives be blessed in every way!!!!

therapy ~ first & last

2009-05-04T09:14:00.003-07:00

We are so happy, we had to let you all know that tomorrow will be Callie's first day of Speech Therapy since she got out of PCH!
We have been waiting a long time for this day & are so happy about it.
The therapist that will be working with her, is also very happy to be working with Callie. She called after doing Callie's evaluation & told me how pleasant it was to meet Callie!

We are also extremely saddened... one of Callie's Physical Therapists here at home, recently learned that she had very progressed cancer
& passed away the day before yesterday.
I have posted the last picture I took of the two of them together
(Callie has been randomly calling out her name).
At the time I took the picture,
I was so surprised by the sunlight spilling in over the two of them...
I wondered what made the picture so special & now I know...
Dotty, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
We love you so much &
are so grateful for the impact you have had on our little sweetheart!!!

Yoga Baby!

2009-04-28T21:17:00.002-07:00

I just had to get some pics of Callie doing her yoga. It's just way too cute! It was hard for me to catch her in her poses, but when she's in full pose her legs are completely straight! Go Callie!!!

sorry no pics (ok i added a few random ones:)

2009-04-27T09:47:00.002-07:00

i'm trying to overcome my blogging block...
i don't know if it's post traumatic stress or what...
i just had to tell about my little yoga baby cal...
she loves to do yoga with any of us when we do it...
she is soooooo flexible... it's sooooooo cute
anyway, one of the kids did an hour of yoga the other night
and callie did it with him for at least half of that!!!
she does some of the same poses & some all her own
so cute!

tomorrow will be callie's very first speech evaluation since she came home.
hopefully she will be getting speech therapy very soon.

also, yesterday at chuch, callie RAN down the aisle at church.
more & more she is just being a regular 2 year old. yeah!

i hope you are all doing well. i still think of all that everyone has done for us & it moves me to tears (as i am now) i know i haven't given the proper thanks & i want to, but i want all of you to know how much we love & appreciate EVERYTHING! so many AMAZING people!!!

our love, prayers & gratitude are with you ALL!

Pictures from the Heart...

2009-04-21T11:29:00.004-07:00

This weekend was an especially enjoyable one. Our oldest son, his wife & baby came up for a visit & we celebrated Elsie's 15th birthday! We were able to see all the kids & grandkids!!! (except Micah) We love to spend time with our family & had such a great time that it completely escaped me to get pictures! :( Callie loves her nephews & loves to see her brothers & sisters. She has been changed from one insurance to another, that is for longer term (till she is 6 & evaluated to see if they will keep her on) She is making good progress still. We hope to get her into the Cornea specialist soon! We're hoping that the cornea is looking better than the last time he looked at it!
We had a very nice Easter & hope that you all did as well.

For quite some time, I have been wanting to share a picture with you
of my Christmas gift from our oldest daughter Ashley & her family.
It is one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received & I love it.
She is such a very thoughtful & awesome daughter! I can only hope to be a little like her when I grow up!!!
She is truly AMAZING!
Thank you Matt, Ashley & Boys, We love you! We love the wall!
And everyone that sees it loves the wall!

Love to you ALL!!! And love to ALL our equally AMAZING children!
We Love You All SOOOOO MUCH!!!

She's some kind of wonderful......

2009-03-05T10:53:00.006-07:00

Callie's Benefit Concert was such a great time! It was so nice to get together with everyone & have fun (instead of gathering at the hospital).
My nephew Collin Freestone, a group called The Alston's & another Just Us all performed. There was a wide range of music, including (but not limited to) classic rock, country & reggae. The whole night was great entertainment.
Collin sang She's Some Kind of Wonderful (and many others, including some originals), which I felt was so fitting. I'm sure that I can find plenty of witnesses that Cal is "some kind of wonderful". I wanted to scoop her up & take her up on the stage during the song!
The whole thing was set up by my Uncle Rick Dalton & cousin Erika Dalton! We're so grateful to EVERYONE who made it happen! Thank you very much!!! Callie had an absolute blast! Another we must mention is Shanna (a faithful blog watcher) from Utah. She made the adorable dress Callie was wearing just for the occasion! She makes & sells these for a business & can be found at
FairyWonderful.com .
Callie absolutely loved the dress & at the end of the night, didn't want us to take it off of her! Thank you sooooo much Shanna!!! She really felt special, somehow she seemed to figure out that it was all about her! She seemed to respond to all the performers as if on queue & could be seen snapping her fingers, dancing & clapping throughout the whole evening.
The event was attended by many friends & family, including one of our favorites from PCH (another faithful blog watcher), and was enjoyed by young & old! Thank you all for your attendance! We love & appreciate you all.
Callie loved dancing & partying with everyone, they even played the Cha Cha Slide (which Callie loves) & lots of people danced with her between groups.
When it was all over, she was tired out, but still wouldn't give it up for over an hour more!
May each of you be blessed as you have all blessed us!
All our Love
The Butler Family

Callie is still making progress!!! We're looking forward to seeing you all at the concert

2009-02-24T19:22:00.002-07:00

This a picture of Callie with one of her physical therapists (yesterday)!
She is making so much progress!
As you can see, she is learning to stand on one foot & very aggressive about it!
Just today her occupational therapist was so excited about all the progress Callie has made just since the last time she saw her a week ago! Callie had her amazed the whole time!
We are all looking forward to seeing you all at the concert this weekend.
I think that Callie will have such a great time. I just think it will be great to be able to see everyone not in the hospital!!!
We're so grateful to all of you.
Last week at Callie's eye Dr. appt, he gave basically no hope
of her ever having the use of her left eye.
While that may be the case, I still feel that we need to try to do whatever we can to save it.
Her therapist says that she does differently than other children she has worked with that are blind in one eye. So if any of you have any suggestions, we are open to hear them!
We are grateful to all that is being done to make this concert happen. It will be covered by Channel 15 News I hear!
We hope that all is going good for you & yours!
All Our Love & Gratitude,
The Butler Family

Excitement!!!

2009-02-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

I took this picture to day at therapy. Callie was playing tug of war with her occupational therapist. She had just actually made a real smile just before I took this picture! It made me cry. I tried to make it bigger, but couldn't figure it out. Look how her mouth is more symmetrical & if you could see better, you can actually see white & iris in her left eye!!!
Three times in the last week, she has felt us put ointment in her left eye!!! Woo Hoo!
I'm blown away.
Thank you soooooo much for all of your concern, thoughts, faith & prayers on Callie's behalf! We are sooooo blessed & SOOOOOO Grateful!

Celebrating Callie's 2nd year of LIFE!!!

2009-02-02T16:24:00.002-07:00

I feel so bad that I have still not gotten around to this!
My sister in law & daughter have done such a good job that I want to direct you to view what they blogged about the day. Click here for Mary's blog & Click here for Ashley's They have great pics & Mary even has a little video that is precious!
I hope that you all enjoy it!
Lots of Love to ALL!
~Dana

P.S. for any of you that would like to join us on the 27th of this month for a benefit concert, click here for more information on it!

Sharing a Tender Moment. . .

2009-01-18T15:12:00.008-07:00

Wow! I just looked through pictures of Callie. . . I don't even know how to put into words the range of emotions my heart experienced as I did this and all that I can say, is WOW! She has come a LOOOOOOOONG way, even since leaving the hospital. I'll post a few pictures & try to choose ones that you haven't already seen. Sorry I didn't get the order right.
She's asleep on my shoulder right now or I'd take one of her today. Hopefully we can get up a really good birthday blog!!
Have a restful & peaceful Sabbath!!!
Just a little tidbit for all you Cardinal fans, Jeromehe sp? Urban held Cal at the hospital & wrote down her name so he could add her to his prayer list! So sweet.

NEWS FLASH!

2009-01-18T12:46:00.002-07:00

One of our girls has an away BB game at the same time we planned to celebrate Cal's B-day!
We still want you all to join us, but we will do it tomorrow early evening instead!

Hope you can ALL make it & hope it doesn't mess up anyone's plans!
Love to ALL!!!!
Dana

Happy Birthday to Cal. Happy Birthday to Cal. . .

2009-01-14T14:09:00.004-07:00

We're so excited to be celebrating Callie's 2nd Birthday

and we want you all to come!

It will be January 20, 2009

from 6-9

here in Show Low.

We would love for you to come.

Give us a call for directions

or email me at butlerfam the #fourteen at hot not cold mail dot com

also to give us an idea on the head count.

We'll eat & play!!!

Hope to see you there!

O, an Uncle, a Nephew & others will be putting on
a benefit concert for Callie!

It should be really great!
They both make good music.

It will be in Mesa on Feb. 27, 2009
tickets will be $20
please contact us if you are interested.

Callie will be there & she loves to dance!
Come & dance with her!

more later

Callie is turning TWO!!!

2009-01-12T00:16:00.002-07:00

Before the morning of September 8th, when I held her limp & lifeless,
I never wondered or thought that Callie would NOT be around to celebrate birthday #2.
On the 20th of this month, just a few days away she WILL & I am AMAZED & GRATEFUL!!! It is beyond interesting what life can deal out!
I just want to have a HUGE party with ALL of you!

MUAH! from Me & My gal pal Cal!

BIG First!

2009-01-06T00:13:00.003-07:00

For the FIRST time since Callie's accident (while concious) she got her eye ointment in without a peep or even a slight amount of resistance!!! There have been weeks of 24x's in a 24 hr period. We're now down to 12 per 24. So it's a pretty big deal that she finally let us without a fight!
The picture was taken right after, with her playing what else, but peek-a-boo! Too much light I know. I tried but I decided she just glows!
Love to ALL!

Miracles Never Cease

2009-01-05T12:20:00.004-07:00

It's hard for me to believe it, with everything that has been happening in our world. . .

if not for the aches & pains and seeing that the van isn't here. . .

I guess it's not just something I dreamed up. Oh the drama!

Last night we were on our way home from visiting the kids in Heber-Overgaard. Jamison turned 22 Saturday, so we went to celebrate with them. We had noticed that a vehicle had gone off the road, so we had stopped to turn around and see if they were okay. I waited until there was not a car in sight & was turning very slowly, when I saw a car coming from behind us. . . Amber was already on the phone with 911 letting them know that the vehicle had gone off the road. . . anyway, the vehicle just kept coming very fast & slammed into us! (9 of the kids, Amber down-in the van,
which is now pretty dead & towed off)

Miraculously the kids were not hurt at all! I am so AMAZED!

I don't know why my life is going so crazy, but today I am so grateful that
all the kids are not hurt!!!

(P.S. Thank you Ashley for the face-lift, blog-lift? It's just another of the very many reasons I'm glad that you are mine for a very long time! I Love You!!!

I'll bet there are many who would like to clone you!
Muah! Mom)

Do As I'm Doing::Follow Follow Me

2009-01-05T01:19:00.002-07:00

Our Followers were deleted during some bloggy demolition.

It's back up and running now so feel free to jump aboard!

xoxoxox

This is for our Butler Family!

2009-01-02T11:02:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was our "Butler Family" Christmas Party! Yes, you heard me right "Christmas". It seems strange I know, seeing that Christmas was last year & won't be around again for 11 months & 23 more days, but this is the way we've done it for years & it seems to work, so I think we'll stick with it.

Anyway, we had our gift exchange. Most everyone was able to come. It was great to see everyone & have fun with them. Jeff's brother Darryl & his family were the only ones not able to make it of the brothers & sisters. They live in far away Missouri. We miss them & hope to be able to see them before the year is over. I was able to see them this summer on one of my trips to St. Louis. Now they have a blog, so it will make it alot easier to keep up on each others family. Others not able to attend, were Karla's son Josh, our two oldest Justin & his family, Ashley & her family and our #4 Micah for various valid reasons. They all wish that they were able to be there!

So, back to the gift exchange. . . of everyone present, because our gift were on it's way in the mail, we didn't have a gift to open with everyone else. To keep anyone from feeling sorry for us or for themselves, I pointed out that we have already received the Greatest gift already, referring to Callie who just happened to be in the middle of our little assembly dancing. It seemed to me that everything stopped with a hush, all eyes were on her with each reflecting on the events that have transpired over the last few months to bring her to the "present" moment. It lingered for a few moments & we were on to the next gift opening.

We had a lovely time, beginning with good food, plenty of Basketball, Catch Phrase, DDR, a little Guitar Hero & to appease the younger crowd, a good round of "Do you like your neighbor". It all went so fast, even though it nearly ran into the next day! Some are safely home, while many are lingering a little longer & hopefully we will be able to get all together again & enjoy a little more of the above.

These are the moments that seem to give to life it's meaning! May each of you & all of us have many more opportunities in the coming year to make all your own & may we each learn to delight in moments like these & hold them dear!

As for the lovely picture, this morning the UPS man delivered packages at our door! This is the part for the family, they wanted to see what we had received! The beautiful boxes were & partially still are, filled with mouth watering chocolates, cherries & "Moose Munch" (which is very lightly crisp carmel popcorn with cashews & almonds with a random coating of chocolate. Yum!), as well as the "lovely" pears!! Thank you very much Darryl, Tamera & family, we love you, miss you & hope that your Christmas was Joyous!

All Our Love,

Jeff, Dana &

the many Butler children

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T15:29:00.003-07:00

Holiday Greetings to all our Family & Friends!
I have ordered Christmas Cards for this year (a little late)
& haven't received them yet!
I will be sending them out to everyone I have an address for.
If your mailing address has changed in the past year
or if you have not received a card from us in past years,
please send your mailing address. We wanted to send out a wish that your Christmas be the Merriest & the New Year be Joyful! We love you all & have warm thoughts for each of you & pray that you & yours are happy & well! For all who have prayed for us & served us in any (& every) way over the past months with Callie's accident & the passing of our loved ones, we express deepest gratitude. May the true spirit of Christmas fill all our hearts until it fills the whole earth is our Christmas Prayer!
All Our Love, The Butler Family Jeff, Dana Justin, Alisha & Aiden Matt, Ashley, Gage & Garrett Jamison, Monica & Trenton Micah, Amber, Marcus, Elsie, Burke, Emma,
Haley, Hayden, Brinley & Callie
~attached picture taken Thanksgiving 2008~

Happy to Report!

2008-12-19T13:53:00.003-07:00

Last night we got back from Callie's last Dr.'s appt for the YEAR! The feeling I had as I walked away from the building was one of immense relief & elation that bought tears to my eyes. The appt was with Callie's opthamologist. He said that the surface of her cornea is looking better. That was very good news! We are now at every 2 hrs. around the clock for Callie's eye ointment & medicine. While it is still a challenge to keep her from putting her fingers in her eye, she had slowed down a bit. She has been getting a cortisone drop 3x a day which I think has helped significantly.
We also were able to have a few sweet visits with our dear GREAT & GRAND-mother "Grandma Mac". If ever there was a model of the perfect Grandma, she would be the best one to look at. The effect she has had on my life is beyond measure. She is slipping slowly from this world to another & will be missed, but will live on in the lives & memories of her family.
We are still working on helping Callie relearn her social skills! She will soon begin having an Early Intervention Specialist come in to help with this, as well as help her with eating & other things. I don't know how I could do it without all the help, especially of my neice Sarah. The help she gives, helps me to keep my sanity.
I have ordered Christmas cards which I hope to receive soon so that I can get them out. We feel so blessed this Christmas season! We thank you all & pray for a most Joyous Christmas to you all!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!

2008-12-14T11:37:00.003-07:00

(Oh~ I mean Burke!)
Today is Burke's 13th Birthday!
He is the youngest of our boys. We love having him in the family.
He is a young man of many talents. He is good at most everything he tries.
And he is peaceful (most of the time).
He built us a toasty warm fire today. We hope you know how much we love you
& have a wonderful day today!
All our Love,
Mom, Dad
& kids

Stitches ~ No Stitches!

2008-12-12T11:19:00.004-07:00

Well I got the pictures backwards, but Tuesday Callie got her stitches out.
Her Opthamologist didn't like the way her cornea was looking, so he sent her to
see the corneal specialist. He was concerned that something may need done to

her cornea before Christmas. After the cornea specialist looked at her yesterday,
he feels that nothing needs done right away. She will see him again towards the end of
January. Right now we're just in a holding pattern with the exception of therapy.
She is a 24/7 job to keep her from hurting herself (digging in her eye & nostril on the side
with the palsy, with head & body slams when we try to keep her from it). She doesn't like for us to put the artificial tears & medicine in her eyes (which she needs once every hour around the clock~if you feel to cry for me, you may. I do every now & then). She doesn't seem to have alot of feeling if any on the left side & she really gets herself messed up. Aside from that she is doing so GREAT! Her walking has had major improvement since she had the eyelid lift surgery.
We are so grateful to have her here with us this holiday season & many more to come!

May this Holiday Season be Joyous for You All!

Love The Butler's

Warmed Inside & Out!

2008-12-07T21:13:00.004-07:00

Today has been such an emotionally tender day for me today. My Dad's funeral yesterday was such a perfect & fitting tribute to his life. My heart is overflowing with love for him & for the blessing of having Callie with us still. I can't even imagine (& don't want to) what this season would be like without her. This evening we were able to enjoy the First Presidency Christmas devotional by firelight, with the wood that we were able to go out & get with my Dad last fall, followed by a cup of hot chocolate with some homemade marshmallows that Ashley made for us (yummy)! It has been a very nice Sabbath for us & we hope it has been for all of you. We are so grateful for the love & support of all our friends & loved ones through these times of trial for us. We continue to be amazed by you all. Some dear friends of ours even gave out a very large number of rooms in a local hotel, to our friends & family that came up for my Dad's funeral. I pray that they will be blessed an hundred fold, even more!!!

Love to All with Peace & Comfort this Holiday Season,
~Dana & family

Callie gets her stitches out on Tuesday. All but the one she managed to remove on her own. Ashley has gotten, Callie is Dancing now! She just hasn't seen her do it yet!

Home from Surgery ~ Funeral Information

2008-12-03T16:29:00.004-07:00

Callie's surgery went well. It got my nerves alot more than I expected it to. I felt so bad at first, but even though it must be extremely uncomfortable at the least, she does seem glad to have it done. The Dr. told me that she would probably be grouchy for 20 minutes or so right after. She didn't disappoint that expectation one bit. In fact, I say she was down right ANGRY! But after a little nap, she's perked right up & seems very happy to be home from it!

For anyone interested in the whereabouts & time for my Dad's funeral, it will be on Saturday at 11:00am with a family viewing at 10:00am & also a viewing Friday night from 6-8pm. They will all be held at the LDS Downtown Bldg in Show Low. Contact me if you need more info, or a place to stay. There has been much generosity for our family.

I am humbled to tears! Thank you everyone for prayers, love, support & everything!!! May each of you be blessed in very special & tender ways.

Much tender Love
~The Butler's

Tomorrow is Surgery Day!

2008-12-02T07:50:00.004-07:00

It has come time for Callie's surgery. It is scheduled for tomorrow morning. It has been difficult to decide whether or not to postpone it, but when I talked to the Dr.'s office & found out that the soonest that they could get her in would be Dec. 31, I have decided to go ahead with the original date. The next time most of you see Callie (within the next couple of weeks) her eyes will be "shockingly open". Also, it will make the damage to her left cornea visible. I don't know what the precedence is, but it is my prayer that this will heal without requiring further surgery. I hope having both eyes open will help with her balance & being able to get around, as well as the many other ways we generally take for granted, being able to see out of more than one eye half-way open! I thank you all for your continued prayer on our families behalf & ask that you would include my Dad's wife & all those affected by his passing. I'm so grateful that he lived this long! I'm so gI cannot begin to express the significant impact that this man has had on my life, but to attempt, I will leave with a verse to a song that begins to. . .

Ordinary Man

An ordinary man, he says he's nothing more than just an ordinary man,

And you might think you'd believe him though I'll never understand,
how love can flow so gentle from an ordinary man.

There's magic in his touch, when I'm sick or broken hearted,
there is magic in his touch, of his hand upon my head
& when I hear his soft command,
I know that I have felt that special magic in his hands.

If my Father up in Heaven is anything like him
then I would give the world to be with him for all eternity. . .
and tell Him thanks for sending me to just
an Ordinary Man.

2008-12-01T19:48:00.004-07:00

I'm feeling too sober to express myself right now, so I want to link you over to our oldest daughters blog to read a tribute she made to my father who passed away this morning! My life has been blessed to have him & to have my beautiful daughter who has such a beautiful way of expressing herself! http://ourhappynest.blogspot.com/
Love to All
~Dana

"Thanks-Giving" tribute to All our PCH Friends!

2008-11-26T23:22:00.004-07:00

To ALL of YOU (including the many we don't have pictures of) & all who have given support to Phoenix Children's Hospital. What a phenomenal Institution for the wellness of children! Also, to everyone in Show Low, EMT's, ER staff, Flight Crew etc. We Thank You & Ask for Bounteous Blessings to be poured out upon you & your family & loved ones now & Forever!!! Our Holiday Season will be one beyond compare thanks to your inspiration, talent, gifts, expertise, skill, compassion, dedication & care that was performed for Callie & our whole family!
In the first moments after the accident, Callie wasn't breathing & I held her not knowing if she would ever breathe again, with our 4 year old looking on astonished by all the "blood in Callie's nose" & everywhere. Then the miracle of her beginning to breathe, but not knowing if she would live long enough for her Dad to hold her again.
To lay in a Coma for days & days
not to make a sound for weeks. . .
then to be able to walk out of the hospital talking, a day short of 2 months, is far more than we could have ever imagined!

With deepest gratitude. Our lives are changed forever & we are blessed, for this we will love you forever!

The Butler Family
Jeff, Dana, Justin, Alisha, Matt, Ashley, Jamison, Monica, Micah, Amber, Marcus, Elsie, Burke, Emma, Haley, Hayden, Brinley, Callie & nephews Gage, Trenton, Garrett & Aiden, not to leave out our Angel Rhionna

(next our special family & friends!)

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!

2008-11-23T20:51:00.004-07:00

You can't tell so good in this picture, but I curled Callie's hair today! I didn't realize until we were on our way home from church, that I couldn't even see her scar! So Dr. Moss if you are out there or anyone who can let him know! She already has enough hair to cover it, but it really doesn't bother me! It helps me remember what a Miracle she is!

The Zoo!

2008-11-23T10:32:00.004-07:00

We had alot of fun at the Zoo! (Thank you Ronald McDonald House!) Two little sisters loved seeing all the animals. We had taken Callie to see Madagascar 2 the first night out of the hospital, which she loved! Then we took the whole family on a day the kids had no school. Dad would remind the girls of the animals in the movie & they would laugh!
In the giraffe picture you can see that she is trying to turn back to see the giraffes as I'm taking the picture. In the picture on Dad's shoulders you can see that Callie is saying "shoe" as she is throwing it! (the zebras are hanging out in the shade)

We also made a few visits while we were down. We went to see our little friend, only to find out that she had gone back to the hospital in the middle of the night, because she was burning up with fever. They hope it is just the same bug that has been through their house & that she will be able to be home for Thanksgiving! That is our prayer for them! She has a name & knowing it will endear you to her even more! Her name is Blaise. Her nickname is Blaisey! We love you so much Blaisey!!! We were so sad to miss you & pray for you to come home soon! ( I attatched a picture her Mom took on the day she came out of the hospital last)

Some other visits we made, were to Great-Grandma Mac (who declined a picture because she didn't think she looked good enough, despite our disagreeing~we love you GREAT!~Grandma-Brin couldn't wait to see you!). Because she is staying with U. Randy & A. Sally, we were also able to see some of their family, which was nice although our visit was breif!
We took Callie to see cousin Erika. She was out cold (tired from the zoo) but woke up with lots of kisses for Erika! We also saw A. Karla, U. Brian & most of their family.

Last of all we attended a suprise 40th birthday for cousin Kennedy (sorry to tell the whole free world your age Ken!). It was GREAT to see everyone (not in the hospital~Very nice party Russ & Ken's sisters(inlaw) & Aunt Margaret)!!! FAMILY is the BEST!!! Callie had so much fun being doted on by all the "Aunties"!!! Kennedy, Jona, Kelli, Kimmie, Karri, Kirstie (my Aunts) Margaret & Helen & more! Oh, not to leave out Big Brother Justin & his wife Alisha & all the other men folk, including the Ikenberry's & Mike (Chrissy's hubby). She also loved playing with my cousins twin girls & was actually very tender with them (except for stealing the ball away from them). It is nice to see that she is re-learning "appropriate" social skills.

We are looking forward to seeing our Las Vegas Aunties & more cousins etc. this week! We have SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH to be Thankful for!!! We have been so blessed & pray that you ALL will as well at this Beautiful time of year!

May you All have a Bounteous Thanksgiving Day & may it continue through the Holidays & the coming year!

With Much Love & Gratitude
~The Butler's

Callie's Eye Appointments. . . .

2008-11-22T08:42:00.004-07:00

. . . went well. The Retinal Specialist said that her retinas look perfect. He had to do an ultrasound on the left eye to be able to see it because of the scarring on her left cornea, but that was good news! The Corneal Specialist said the the date for the surgery should be able to go on, so long as her eye continues to heal. He also said that because of the scarring on the cornea, she made need to wear a hard contact to help with the stigmatism she may have or on the outside & hopefully not, a cornea transplant. We stayed at the Ronald Mc Donald House & are going to take the girls to the zoo compliments of them. ( we took a few pics ) We also hope to visit a few people today before going on home. We'll see what we can fit in!

Lots of Love & Holiday Wishes!

~Jeff, Dana, Brinley & Callie

Our Little Friend is HOME!

2008-11-20T10:19:00.004-07:00

She's home & trying to catch up on life! What a little doll!

Her & her family are in constant need of our prayers, as the medical world offers not much hope for her (which is putting it lightly).

We love them & hope that you will include them in your prayers!

LOL

~Dana

Life is Good

2008-11-20T04:15:00.004-07:00

I apologize for not posting more frequently & for the picture draught! (I think our daughter Ashley is coming by tomorrow with her camera, I haven't located mine since coming home) We are very much enjoying being home! It is very busy as you might imagine. Callie is a full-time job all by herself. Thank goodness for so much help to share it, but there is the rest of the family to keep up with as well.
This week, Callie had an MRI the day before an appt with the Neuro Surgeon & Opthamologist. The MRI was pretty quick. She didn't like it at all, but at least they were able to do it without sedating her which I was very grateful for & I'm sure it was far less traumatic for her that way than having to go through the whole IV process (she's a very hard "stick").
The appt with the Opthamologist took awhile to get to & after examining Callie's left eye, he had 2 appts with eye specialists scheduled for this Friday, so we'll be heading back down tomorrow for those. He still wants to shoot for the beginning of December for the surgery to "tack" her eyelids open. The left will only be able to be done if it can be healed by then. He mentioned that she would need to have an ultrasound done on it to get a better look at it. Not really great news.
Callie was scheduled to see the Neuro Surgeon's assistant. Once she got in, we gave her the disc of her MRI. She came back in & told us (my neice Sarah & Brinley were with us) that she wanted the doctor to look at the MRI & Callie. I told Sarah, "that doesn't sound too good". The Doc came in & had the MRI pulled up for us to see, he explained that he requested the disc so that we could have a copy. As he showed it to us, he said that it looked like a "good brain" & that while nerves grow slowly, he did expect her to get her 3rd nerve function back!!! (that is the lids) He wasn't as confident about the facial nerve, but he said, you never know. He didn't say she wouldn't. He said now she just needs to grow her hair back to cover that "ugly" scar. I told him tearfully, that to me it isn't "ugly" it's beautiful to me! And told him why, basically that she's with us!!! Then just before they all went out, they asked if she could walk! I forgot he'd only seen her in a high chair, so I put her down & she proudly showed them all that Yes! she could!!! As if she knew it was thanks to them! Again he stated, "she is a miracle"! & that had just made his day!!! A GREAT day for Us as well! I will love that man FOREVER!
I'm sure that in this life I never will adequately be able to thank everyone for everything that has been done for Callie & for us, but I continually pray that the Father of Us ALL will pour out blessings for each person that has blessed our lives or been touched by Callie in some way.
May the Lord's choicest blessings be with each of you this holiday season & may you feel His "tender mercies" on your behalf on those you love continues to be my prayer.
With Much Love
~Dana
P.S. Brinley broke her arm since we've been home! She's doing good!

One Week at Home!

2008-11-16T11:36:00.004-07:00

It has been One full week since we brought Callie home from Phoenix Children's Hospital. It has been a wonderful week. Callie seemed to remember "home" right from the start. There didn't seem to be any adjustment time at all. We know that she has memory from before the accident, because of little things she has done, like drag Dad to the freezer to find a yummy treat. Also, whenever one is in need of anything while in the bathroom, we "knock" on the wall, so we all know that when we hear a "knock" from the bathroom, to check what someone needs. Callie had just received a shower, when the person who showered her called out for someone to come & retreive her, she decided that she would do her part & so she "knocked" on the wall & called out too!
She has really been trying to walk everywhere by herself. She is still working on her balance, so she keeps us all on our toes. She definitely is a full-time job, but thank goodness she has many to tend to her! Just as I am typing this, she walked about 10 feet away from her Dad without any holding & then turned herself around & walked right back without one fall! Her stability is getting better all the time.
It's hard for me to take time away from everything to post everything I would like. Please know that our hearts are filled with gratitude for the numberless kindnesses that have been shown to us & know that we feel your kindnesses have been orchestrated by One who knows all. Just one example. . . . we chose Tuesday night to get all the kids together & celebrate Jeff's birthday with them since they weren't all able to be with us on his birthday. We had made dinner plans & homemade ice cream plans, but early afternoon I realized we had no birthday cake plans! Because there was little time I reluctantly said to myself, "Oh Well!" & chose just to let it be. A few hours later, you'll never guess what showed up at our door! Well, you probably guessed A CAKE! & you would be right, only it was not the usual 9x13 cake, but twice the size, which was more than enough to feed us ALL! (We still were missing a few who were working)

Thank you ALL for EVERYTHING! May He who sees ALL bless you an hundred fold for your loving service to us!

Have a Beautiful, Day, Week, Month, Year, Holidays . . . LIFE!!!

ALL Our Love FOREVER,
The Butler's

Callie's the "STAR"!

2008-11-12T17:03:00.004-07:00

Channel 3 made a request to videotape Callie in therapy & it will air on their program, "Your Life From A to Z" this Friday the 14th between 9-10 am.
I know I told some of you it would be on Thursday the 13th, but they changed it & called early today to let me know!
I hope I'm able to videotape it. (the kids don't want to miss it) If any of you tape it, please let me know, in case I miss it.
Everyday, so many things go through my mind that have been done for us. I haven't had the time to adequately thank any of you, but know that it hasn't gone unnoticed & know how much you are loved & appreciated!
Lots of Love
~Dana

HOME AT LAST!!!

2008-11-11T09:52:00.004-07:00

Well, we have been home for a few days & in many ways, it seems as though we never missed a beat! Callie had not even a moment of needing to adjust! She has been getting up & walking a few steps without ANY help at all !!! She loves having the kids & Sarah around & has definitely found the high C again, but somehow it sounds so different than it used to. I feel a little like my "Granny", who at a reunion when all the kids were indoors in a lodge & running wild, when she heard us trying to quiet them down, she said (swirling her hand beneath her throat), "Let them whoop & holler until there throats are full"!!! We miss all our hospital friends & are SO GRATEFUL for them! Last night I asked Callie, "where is Miss _______ & _______ & _______ . . . . . ? They are at the hospital. Do you want to go to the hospital to see them? And she nodded her head & her whole upper body in the affirmative! Today we honor everyone EVERYWHERE, who has ever lost someone or suffer through difficulties with their loved ones, which I believe IS EVERYONE! We love ALL of you & are so grateful for the experience we have had to not just know, but to really FEEL that we are all ONE big family! No matter our varied differences, WE ARE ONE! Pictures & more later. . . ~The Whole Butler Family

Moving OUT!

2008-11-07T11:47:00.008-07:00

Well, it has been an exciting day today & yet it's being an emotional day too!
My phone once again is having memory issues, so sorry, no pictures for now. Hopefully we can get it worked out at home & get some on.
When we first came into Rehab, the nurse told me how they have kids come in that don't do ANYTHING & leave walking & talking. While that is what I hoped for, I was willing that she at least do SOMETHING!
I can't even type it without sobbing, but Callie WILL leave walking & talking. Yes, she still has more progress to make to get back, but she has come so much farther than many thought she would.
We just happen to see her Neuro Surgeon this morning, when he saw Callie, he said, "That's HER!", WOW, She is a Miracle!" Coming from the one here that had the most detailed information of just what Callie's injury, I don't think it could be said any better & I don't think that ANYONE will put up an argument on the subject. I am so overwhelmed by the MASSIVE outpouring of Blessings, Love & Service!!!

Thank You EVERYONE!!! & God Bless Us ALL EVERYONE!!!
Jeff, Dana, CALLIE & The Rest of the Butler Family

The word is in, And we are OUT!

2008-11-04T16:25:00.004-07:00

Brace yourselves...the long awaited day has come! Today Callie's doctors let my parents know that she will be set to go home on Friday! {Ashley is posting right now as the parents are headed up the mountain to vote. Such devoted Americans!}

When the kids were here last weekend, their parting note with Callie was "Now you come see us next time!" And of course she smiled as if to say, "You betch'ya." She is making good on that smile and we are all so thrilled! My Mom shared with me some of her emotions and I thought I would share.

She said that it sweet news that they will get to come home, but that there are many people that she will miss dearly from the hospital, some of whom they may never see again. They will surely be missed. But the Sweet is OH SO SWEET and we will gladly have it!

She also expressed gratitude to my sister Amber, who spent many of her weekends "being an 18 year old single mother of 7" {in my mom's words} and driving all the kids down so they could visit. Her willingness to do that means so much to my parents and to Callie of course who loves to see her family! {And their visits were made so much nicer thanks to the kindness of Becki and Dany in giving them access to their beautiful home in Mesa. THANK YOU!}

Also thank you to Aunt Mary who took over that responsibility this weekend since Amber had to work. She brought them all down and was able to celebrate my Dad's 47th Birthday with him! She also stayed by with the kids while my parents enjoyed a Suns Basketball game together for his birthday! It was a very nice weekend thanks to Aunt Mary!

And for all those who have shown kindnesses to our family, thank you! There has been no small deed, everything has been so HUGELY appreciated!

I am sure I have missed things but I am sure she will do a more thorough job when she is able. Just thank you, thank you, thank you everyone! May you be blessed, as you have blessed us.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

And now for some pictures:

Sweet birthday loves for Daddy!

Enjoying a little basketball. I heard the entire starting lineup got on the mic and sang Happy Birthday! yeah right...well it might have been cool!

Sleepy girl with her sleepy brothers, Burke and Marcus. {Marcus is in there, just kind of hard to see.}

Little Miss California worn out from all her fun visitors. I'm pretty sure she is dreaming of home and her swing set!

WOW! That was fast!

2008-11-01T09:13:00.004-07:00

No sooner had I typed about the eye Doc, he walked in. The word is that they will wait on the surgery (tentatively the beginning of Dec.) He may not even need to open the right eye as much as she's getting it open on her own & by some miracle the left eye will heal up & begin to function on it's own & NO surgery will be needed. Home on Tuesday!? We'll see at "Rounds" when they evaluate Callie next!

We will fast again on Sunday for Callie & others.

Lots of Love, Butler's

"The Dr. Said!" No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!!!! (Happy B-day Daddy!)

2008-11-01T08:25:00.004-07:00

Yesterday Dr. Kaplan (head of Neuro Rehab) stopped in "to say Good-Bye" to us before he left on vacation! While he was in, I think Callie was trying to show-off for him & stood up at the rail of her bed. Dr. Kaplan immediately ordered what they call a "veil bed" for her & it was all set up within the hour! We wish for Happy Cruising for him, his wife & friends! Thank you Dr. Kaplan!!!

Daddy got to camp out in it with little Miss Cal! She likes her Daddy! She tried to invite me to join them, I had to try to convince her that it would just be to squooshy for ALL of us!

I'll try to remember to take pictures today, but if I know Mary, she will have the weekend recorded with at least "a few" photos!!!

Love & Gratitude to ALL & wishes for a fabulous weekend,
The Butler's

O! I just heard the opthamologist will be in today. We'll let you know what he says.

Pretty Pretty Princess' Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T21:26:00.004-07:00

This is the most we have seen Callie open up her right eye! She was saying "Hi Dad!"
The kissing picture is Callie with the Dr. that treated her in the ER when she reached PCH (SO CUTE)!
He wished us a Happy Halloween! If he only knew how much "happier" of a day it is because of him & many others!
We had special visitors from home & we also posted a few pictures of our "hallway friends". Callie zooms on the walker (only she thinks she doesn't need it)! I did a little dress up with some "falsies" & a spooky spider ring.
Hope everyone had a very safe & Happy Halloween! Tomorrow we look forward to the kids coming (Jeff's sister Mary & kids will be bringing them down) & celebrating Jeff's b-day!
Love & Gratitude to ALL,
Jeff, Dana & Cal-Jayne-a-forna!!!

No Surgery this weekend

2008-10-30T11:31:00.004-07:00

The Opthamologist came by last night. He was pleased with how much Callie is getting the right eye open & the left eye hasn't healed enough yet to do surgery, so he will come look at her again in a day or so to see if it looks like we can do surgery next week.
So it's back to anybody's guess when she will be discharged from the hospital.
As for the pics, she kicked this ball all over the place.
In recreation therapy, she got to play in water, which she loved!!!

Good News!

2008-10-28T22:06:00.004-07:00

We aren't for sure, but we'll know more in the next day or so, but there's a good chance that Callie will be home by this time next week!!! Something we've been looking forward to for quite some time! I've been quite homesick the last little bit & trying to suck it up, not knowing how much longer it would be! The Opthamologist will be coming to see Callie tomorrow. He will let us know his plan for Callie's eyes. Depending on whether or not he does surgery on her eyes & what day he does, she may be able to come home a short time after that! As the reality of finally coming home sinks in with me, things are coming to mind that I would like to take care of before we leave. . . soooooo. . . if there is anyone down here that would like to come & spend time with Callie before we go (so I can get to things), please leave a comment & I will get in touch with you! Visits are welcome anytime.
We're very excited about the prospect, but we will miss all of our hospital friends (they seem like our family :) !!! They have been so good to us! This hospital has been an amazing place for Callie!!! There are many things we believe have been the reason(s) Callie is still with us. The same, there are many people that have been instrumental in Callie's progress. We are so grateful for ALL!
Again, Thank You Everyone for Everything!!!
Lots of Love, Dana, Callie & Family

Special Reader!

2008-10-28T11:26:00.004-07:00

This morning, someone from the playroom came in and invited Callie to come in to the playroom at 11:00 for a "special reader".
So we went & this is who it was, Big Red (Cardinals Mascot) & Jerheme Urban!!! Callie just wanted to kiss them the whole time!
She did get to get her lips on Big Red & Jerheme blew her a kiss back!
Fun! Fun!
The other little girl is one of Callie's hall friends (with her Mom).
We had gone upstairs to invite our other little friend, but she couldn't come down!

GO CARDS!!!

Weekend Sitters & Visits!

2008-10-27T07:06:00.004-07:00

With the help of the nurses & Jeff's sister & a niece, Jeff & I were able to go out for a date Saturday night (compliments of a very generous cousin & her husband~much needed). Then Sunday morning, we were able to attend Sacrament meeting for the first time since the accident. We also stopped in for a quick visit to my Dad. Today will be the first of 10 days of radiation treatments he will be getting.
We continue weekly fasts for our little sweetie & include my Dad & our "little friend". We appreciate any of you that have joined us in this.
Prayer is Magnificent!!!
It is an odd life we live right now, but it is being WELL worth it. Jeff & I look at how things are currently & remember back not too long ago seeing the very real possibility of having had a funeral. We have been SO BLESSED!!!
I have attached a picture of our nephew & Cal on the slide & two of our weekend sitters.
Lots of Love,
Dana

We begin week 8!

2008-10-27T06:48:00.004-07:00

Over the weekend, the Opthamologist came in to see Callie. He is talking about doing surgery to "tack up" her eyelids. It is a reversible surgery & will not interfere with her getting back any functions.
When surgery was mentioned the first week we were in Rehab, I was against it for then, I wanted to wait & see. After watching her in therapy with her eyes open with tape & with as much as she is able to open them, there is a huge difference in her progress. For that reason & the fact that it is reversible & will not interfere with her regaining functions, I feel like doing the surgery now, will be best for Callie.
In order for the Dr. to be able to do both eyes, her left eye needs to heal a little better. I really want him to be able to do both of her eyes.
Alot of the kids had come down during the week, so none came this weekend. With this weekend being Halloween (& also Jeff's birthday~he was born 30 mins. after Halloween) we'll see who is able to come down.
In quiet moments, I sit & reflect on the many, many kind acts of service that have been done for our family. It moves me to tears & makes my heart glad.
Thank you so much!!!
Dana, Callie & family

TGIF!

2008-10-25T02:33:00.004-07:00

Today Callie did well, but I could tell that she was pretty pooped & could use a little break.

We had a couple of visitors, it was a nice suprise, even though they didn't stay long. Nana & Auntie Jona were by yesterday & today. They stayed for quite awhile. It was hard to say who enjoyed the visit more, Callie or them! They were so tickled & touched to see firsthand in REAL Life! just how much progress that Callie has made since they last saw her. There were tears & LOTS of Smiles!

I think today was one of my more emotional days. It seems I was on the verge of tears for most of it. Tears that just seemed to start out of nowhere. It kind of caught me by suprise. As I contemplated the reason for it, I realized that I was just brimming with gratitude & amazement at the power of prayer & the blessings I have witnessed from Our Father for Callie & others. (I also think I'm missing family & home!)

Callie was in Heaven in this picture. She was eating her first (of two) frozen go-gurts. She couldn't get enough! She just loves her therapists & they love her too.

She's been quite 'smoochy' these days & is always trying to kiss them. She is such a little sweetie!!!

For those of you that have been praying for our little friend, I want to give you an update on her. Since the last post I mentioned her in, she has had another procedure. It was very sudden & at first things weren't looking too good, but today she was smiling & doing pretty well & was even able to get out for a walk (inside the hospital of course). Many of you have met her when you have come to the hospital & know that she has a way of getting into your heart right from the start. Whenever I see her (& Callie), I know that God lives & that with Him, nothing is impossible!

May you all be blessed with the desires of your hearts!

Love, Prayers & Gratitude,

Dana

I want to sing & dance. . .

2008-10-23T18:29:00.004-07:00

I left to go watch Marcus & Elsie perform with the choir at the State Fair, (which was very enjoyable!) and I got this picture from Jeff while I was gone! So Cute!
I'm starting to wonder if she is secretly punishing me for leaving her & saving Big things for when I'm gone! No, I'm just kidding, every session is like that for the most part. She does new things at almost every session!

Sister Time!

2008-10-23T12:26:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, Ashley, Amber & Brinley came to see Callie. It was such a fun day! I loved seeing Callie & the girls interact. I was just having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures, but I do have this one of Ashley & Callie on the slide! So Cute!
Lots of Love & Gratitude to Everyone!

Evaluation Day is here again!

2008-10-21T11:17:00.004-07:00

We are sitting here waiting to be called into evaluation. We can already say, Callie is staying at least one more week. (Two of her therapist gave us the word yesterday.) She is in the middle of relearning to stand & walk, which she thinks she can do on her own, but she does need a little support or she does like "London Bridges " on us.

Her vocabulary increases daily! Today she said the name of one of her therapists & 'here it is' . Last night she said 'love you'.

Just got back from evaluation, Dr. Kaplan gave the official word, she's making good progress, we like her, she's staying!

I aplologize for getting behind on posting. She is so awake and busy, that I'm not able to find free moments like when she was sleepy.

I'll add a few pictures from yesterday & today. Some, she followed a great big dog named Milo up and down the hall & even got to mount him! She is willing to stay up on her feet more than twice as long as last week. She is just doing GREAT!

Love & Thanks to Everyone,

Jeff, Dana & Cal

This scripture says it just right!

2008-10-20T12:34:00.004-07:00

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalms 40:5

For ALL, we give thanks!

The Butler's

I almost forgot!

2008-10-19T23:29:00.004-07:00

Please check out our oldest daughter's blog at ourhappynest.blogspot.com & make a comment. A business is donating $1 per comment to "Kisses for Callie" for every comment made before Oct. 19 at midnight! Oops! That is tonight!

She also is starting another raffle tomorrow, that you can check out then. It will run for just a couple of days, but you can read about it on her blog site by clicking on the link above!

Love & Much Thanks,
Dana

2008-10-19T22:46:00.004-07:00

We had such a great weekend! We're so grateful the kids could come! Amber & her friend Missy brought down all the younger group, except Marcus! He had a date for Homecoming this weekend. He & his date had a great time. They didn't win their football game dang it, but I heard it turned out to be a pretty good game anyway.

Callie thoroughly enjoyed the kids (as always)! There is so much to tell, but it is late so I'll let the randomly ordered pictures do most of my talking.

We will miss Emma's first band concert on Wednesday, so she put on her very first concert for us at PCH! It was wonderful!

Callie had lots of outdoor fun with the kids til she told us it was "hot" & so we all went inside & watched her & our little friend play ball until Callie grew tired of it & our 4 year old Brinley stepped in to have some fun with our little friend!

I've also included a cute picture ('Callie' Shopper) from Friday therapy & one from her first weekend therapy (mirror) & also one from last weekend I think is hilarious!!! Amber, Marcus, Burke & Callie crashed out in Callie's HUGE (just a hint of sarcasm :) room, while Jeff & I had our first (very short,but nice) date in about 2 months!

Oh yeah! I also included a picture of our little friend on her birthday that her Mom sent us! Please send lots of prayers & love for her & her family, now more than ever!!! Things are tough for them right now!

Lots of Love & Thanks to Everyone! We continue to be AMAZED at the power of Fasting, Faith & Prayers.

Also please include my Dad, his wife & family in your prayers. As many of you know, he has been dialysis dependent for about 5 years now & he was just recently diagnosed with bone cancer. He is in the hospital down here having some test run, but it isn't looking good.

May each of you & your loved ones be blessed as well, is our Prayer!
The Butler's

Weekend Fun!

2008-10-19T22:29:00.004-07:00

Callie is Awake!

2008-10-18T11:50:00.004-07:00

Just to clarify for any of you wondering (a couple of people asked this week).
Callie IS AWAKE from her COMA. The inability to open her eyelids all the way at this time, is due to "partial 3rd nerve damage". She also currently has a palsy to the left side of her face.
These are things that can heal over time, but the only way to know, is to wait & watch.
The opthamologist has let us know that there is a (reversible) surgery that can be done to "tack" her eyelids open, but he feels that it is too soon to be doing it yet.
She is progressing so quickly that only time will tell of any other issues she may or may not have down the road!
Her caregivers are absolutely in AWE of her progress. I think that this story ( I will tell you) is the perfect indicator of how fast she has progressed! Her speech therapist told Jeff & I yesterday, that one of the "goals" that she had set for Callie this past week was to say one word, at least 3 times. She said, "she has FAR surpassed that just with 'UH-OH!'" She has said that, at least 50 times a day for the past several days!
I hope this gives a clear picture of where she is right now!
Our family will fast again for her this Sunday for anyone that would like to join us! A big part of our fast will be an outpouring of GRATITUDE for her LIFE & her Progress & that it will continue!
We thank you ALL & Love you TOO!
The Butler's

Banana for Breakfast!

2008-10-18T11:20:00.004-07:00

Today is a very big day! Callie came off of all her medication this week & then today they officially dropped her tube feeding for good! She also has graduated from pureed food diet, to a soft food diet. (she skipped the "mashed" food diet) Also, she has gone from thickened liquids to thin (milk consistency). (the only ones we have to thicken a little, are "ultra-thin" ie. water, juice, gatorade etc.)

As you can see, Callie had a banana with her breakfast. She fed it to herself & when she got down to where I had peeled it, she pulled all the rest of the peel off herself!

Yesterday she had her first Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich, which she LOVED! She practically dove into it! She even smiled & laughed when she heard me telling the nurse about it.

This weekend was her first weekend therapy! She did very good working on being up on her legs!

Again, we are so grateful to all of you for every little thing & BIG!!! We have been so blessed & pray that you all will & that we will all continue to be blessed!

All Our Love,

Dana, Callie & Family

Yummy Gummie!

2008-10-16T11:34:00.004-07:00

One more ~ so you can see Callie was playing too!

2008-10-15T22:42:00.004-07:00

Cute Pics of the Day!

2008-10-15T22:27:00.004-07:00

Not in order, but here they are! Enjoy! :)

2008-10-15T17:18:00.004-07:00

Today they taped Callie during Therapy. She was a show stealer!
Callie has been pulling up to her feet on occasion & she even stood on her own for 30-40 seconds!!!We were all amazed. She has been clapping, smiling vocalizing alot, saying Uh-Oh!, more Screams & cries, giggling & just generally exercising her own will.
We were asked a little about Callie's progress. It caused be to look back again at how far Callie has come & SO quickly!
We have been so blessed. We have met some truly amazing people & we ask at this time for continued prayers for 'our little friend & her family'. They need all the support & love they can get at this time. Their family lives out of state, although they have a great circle of support in their community. Please pray that she may continue to have a good quality of life & for the comfort & support of her family.
Thank you again for your love & support of our Callie & family,
Jeff, Dana, Callie & family

Sorry for the picture shortage. . .

2008-10-14T18:17:00.004-07:00

. . . we are still trying to get the memory managed.
WOW! Callie is progressing so fast, that each session of therapy, she does more than the time before. She is staying awake more & initiating more play.
We saw our little friend after Callie's last therapy today. They are really hoping that they can go home soon.

Tomorrow they will be taping Callie during her morning OT. One of the therapists (actually, the one in charge) made a special request for Callie's Apple Bottoms outfit that Amber got for her.We'll see how that goes. Callie has been asserting her own will more frequently these days & she's really
tuning up the pipes for that 'high C'.

Callie will be evaluated for a chair all her own to go home in, 5 days from now. Also, people are working on lining up therapy for Callie when she is able to go home.

Callie has been initiating one foot in front of the other when she is held in a standing position, but tires quickly.

In music therapy today, Callie held an egg shaker in one hand & a chime in the other & shook one to the music when asked & then both when asked.

One of her therapists stopped in our room to have me sign a paper & Callie sat up when she heard she was there so she could see her. She also waves more frequently at her therapists when we part ways with them.

Well, I need to go! We need to wash the outfit for her big day tomorrow, get our showers & get things ready.

Lots of Love & Gratitude,
The Butler's

Evaluation~They are keeping her!

2008-10-14T11:47:00.004-07:00

Well, today has been a big day so far. Callie had her swallow test & did VERY WELL. She had "minimal flashes" on ultra thin liquids & perfect on every thing else.
She had very good reports in evaluation from all her therapist. She also made a great impression on Dr. Kaplan, who is the Head of Neuro Rehab at Phoenix Children's Hospital. She played peek-a-boo, played with her cell phone, even held it up to her ear & waved good-bye to everyone! She also picked her nose~Dr. Kaplan told her, "get your fingers out of your nose & she did!!! (Everyone had a good chuckle)
When she played pee-a-boo, many of her team began to interact with her (where's Callie?). It was so cute! Dr. Kaplan, (very funny guy, as well as smart) said "Look at us now, we all look like a bunch of fools", again everyone got a good chuckle.
Her eye just needs to get better. She has been being a little bit better at keeping her fingers & thumb out.
Again,
Thank you ALL for EVERYTHING!
(Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these. . . Ye have done it unto Me.) God Bless us ALL ~ EVERYONE!!!

Good-Bye Kids!

2008-10-14T10:33:00.004-07:00

Callie had so much fun with the kids this weekend! She always seems to make such big strides after the weekends.
She has a swallow test this morning, to see how well she manages her food & liquids. She also has evaluation at 11 am. So we should have some news to tell later today.
Callie actually took a few steps (being held up by the physical therapist).
Cousin Erika just gave Callie her own cell phone & Callie held it up & said "Hi Da"! That's all she used to say to Dad when she would talk to him on the phone!
Well, they are here to get her, Gotta go!!!

P.S. Those are real Apple Bottom Jeans that her sister Amber bought for her this weekend. (She 'got it at ROSS')

No Night Drip!

2008-10-12T23:19:00.004-07:00

The last couple of days, Callie has been able to have her feed tube out & just have it back in at night for a "night drip". Callie has been eating so well, that the nurse tonight let her got without it! WOO HOO!!! Callie fell asleep without it & will wake up without it in the morning! I am so happy for her! Well, I am going to bed. Just had to share!

She hit the High C!

2008-10-12T21:25:00.004-07:00

She finally found her voice! She has been vocalizing alot more, but she hadn't it her familiar high C yet, until tonight when I was taking out the ponytails! She screamed & just kept screaming!!! I never thought I would be so glad to hear her scream!
Jeff & I have had full memory, so we haven't been taking any pictures for the past several days. It has been great to have the kids here this weekend, Callie has just loved it!! She's been really showing off for them!
All the nurses are amazed by what Callie can do since the last time they saw her!
Her left eye is all swollen & infected, because she scratched it & keeps digging in it!
Dad was even able to take the little girls with him for an outing on Saturday.
Callie & I were able to go to celebrate our little friends birthday with her. She looked so cute I wish I could have gotten a picture to post.
It's been a fun but busy weekend, sorry I've had another draught on the posting! I'm getting the memory managed tonight, so I should be able to get back on it.
We're back to the busy-ness of Rehab!
Love & Gratitude to ALL,
Dana, Callie & Family

Fun Weekend

2008-10-10T22:51:00.004-07:00

Lots of thanks to cousin Erika for staying with Callie on Thursday and Friday morning so Dana could get home for the first time in a month. She was able to spend time with the Kids and make a visit to her Dad and Grandma, and made it to Marcus' football game. Callie and Erika have a special bond and Callie let us know it would be okay to hang with her for awhile.

Today was Callie's first day to eat real food for all of her meals instead of using the NG tube. Of course it was all in puree form but for dinner she ate chicken tenders, tater tots, peas, carrots, chocolate pudding and grape juice. She really did enjoy it all, yummmm. She was even able to take her medicine orally by mixing it with the grape juice, this was a huge accomplishment for little Cal (all her liquids are thickened for now).

We started this post last night & tried to attach a video from Wednesday afternoon. We both fell asleep in the attempt. We will try again today when Jeff gets in (from sleeping with the girls). I brought Emma, Haley, Hayden & Brinley down with me. We asked them if they want to stay in the Ronald McDonald house or in Dad's truck (which is in the parking lot of the Ronald McDonald house, next to the hospital). They enthusiastically & unanimously chose the truck!

The girls & I got to the hospital just in time for her afternoon therapy! She was so excited to show off for the girls, that first thing one of the therapists got her, she pulled up to standing & threw her little leg out in front of her as if she would walk!

We will still put on the video (if we can get it figured out) for it's comic value, but I am so happy to let you all know, that Callie can SIT UP with out any help or support!!! Just 3 days ago, her first attempt to sit without support was wobbly & only lasted a few seconds! She can also catch herself & get back up when she tips over!

It should be a fun weekend! Most of the kids will be able to be here through Monday! Yeah!

2008-10-09T17:41:00.004-07:00

Okay....my camera isn't as good as Dana's but I wanted to post a few more pics. She worked out pretty hard today and crashed so hard she fell asleep with her hand in her pants. Too funny! I have enjoyed spending the day with Callie and watching her as she makes leaps and bounds with her therapy. Keep praying for her to continue to make progress so she can stay here and get the intensive therapy she needs to get back to her old self again.

2008-10-09T17:29:00.004-07:00

Fun time with Anica

2008-10-09T17:28:00.004-07:00

Who needs a spoon when you have fingers!

2008-10-09T17:25:00.004-07:00

2008-10-09T17:24:00.004-07:00

Nice doggy

2008-10-09T11:32:00.004-07:00

Look at me!

2008-10-09T11:25:00.004-07:00

Yeah Callie!

2008-10-09T10:38:00.004-07:00

This is cousin Erika. I cant believe how much progress she is making on a daily basis. In OT this morning, Callie pushed up from her belly and sat up with little help from Amy the therapist. Valerie, one of her other therapists, tried this special tape to help Callie hold her eyes open. If I can find the cord I will post some pictures of her with this blue tape above her eyes......she looks like a cute little clown. She is such a strong little girl and has touched my life in a way words cannot describe.

I will be posting later tonight!

2008-10-09T08:36:00.004-07:00

Today a cousin will be sitting with Callie so that I can make a quick trip up the hill. So Jeff will hopefully be posting when he gets here tonight. If there is something very cute or exciting to tell, maybe Erika can post it while Callie naps!
Love & thanks to ALL
Dana

YUM! YUM!

2008-10-08T12:13:00.004-07:00

Callie was able to eat Pancakes, Oatmeal, Blueberry Muffin & Lemonade at her ST session today.
Very yummy for a little girl that has had all her food go through a tube straight to her tummy for the last month! The therapists assure us that it is "therapy". It's all about texture & stimulation, to wake up her senses!
By session #3 Callie was seeming pretty tired, but she was very interested in the activities! So much so, that she had to unwind before she would nap for the afternoon sessions!
Dad (who yesterday was encouraging a break from the feeding tube) was grateful when she fell to sleep so his constant tube vigil could rest as well. Someway, somehow while 'resting', she managed to get the tube out once again!

1 Year Old Inserts Own NG tube, Film at 11:00

2008-10-07T20:33:00.004-07:00

OK, we had to tell the funny tale. As most of you know, Callie has gotten quite proficient at pulling out her feed tube. I ask her all the time, "please don't". When we were eating dinner tonight, she was trying to sneak a quick grab while we were preoccupied with our food. I saw her just as she hooked it! I said, "Ah, Ah, Ah Callie! Please don't!" Well, she had already gotten it out a good 3-4 inches, before I finished, so getting caught in the ACT, as quick as she pulled, she pushed! I laughed at her attempt, sure that it would not be successful! Had I not seen it out, I never would have believed it, but it DID go IN!!! Jeff & I, as you can guess, got quite a chuckle, which brought a lengthy grin to Callie's face!!!
Then just a few funny pictures of the day! 1-digging at tube, 2-Sitting on her own! 3-Letting it all hang out 4-Petting the bunny

Evaluation Day!

2008-10-07T15:01:00.004-07:00

Today was the much anticipated day for the evaluation on Callie's rehabilitation progress. Callie's entire team of approximately nearly 20 people were present to give their reports and opinions on her progress. Dr. Kaplan, the head neurologist over rehab first asked about the ability of her eyes to function. We were glad to report along with the rest of her team that she has been able to hold her eyes open most of the time (her right eye wider than a slit) she is awake and manages to lift her right eye lid from time to time. Dr. Kaplan then went around the room to the physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapist (also teaches how to eat & swallow), music therapist and recreational therapist for their reports. We are very happy to announce that all reports were very favorable and given by each therapist with much enthusiasm and joy. The recreational therapist was in near tears when she was talking about Callie and the remarkable things she is doing (I will admit she is pregnant). After all the reports were in Dr. Kaplan said he would take everyone's word for it and keep her going in the rehab program. He is initiating a discharge plan for now so when the time comes to go home everything will be quick and in place for continual rehabilitation in Show Low.
We are so grateful for the faith and prayers, by all, on Callie's behalf and likewise for the professionals here who are so dedicated to Callie and all the children here. Also, continual gratitude for your continued interest in Callie's well being as well as the rest of us!
Lots of Love to ALL,
Jeff, Dana and Callie

Callie Evaluation Day!

2008-10-06T18:17:00.004-07:00

Callie is making so much progress every day. The Entire Neurological Rehabilitation Team that is working with Callie, will make "Rounds" on Callie tomorrow (morning to noon about). Rounds~ is when they all meet together & evaluate where Callie is at & whether or not they will continue to work with her. As much as it would be nice to be at home, I hope that they keep her. She makes so much progress everyday with 6+ hours of therapy everyday!!! It will be good to be home when we get there, but I think any time spent here, will pay off big time in the years to come. So, ironically, we hope they say we will stay!
All our Love & Thanks,
Jeff, Dana, Callie & Family

Please Pray for our Little Friend!

2008-10-06T17:43:00.004-07:00

After Callie's last therapy, which she did so good at! We went to look for our little friend to visit with. We didn't see her anywhere, so we went up to her room to see if she had gone home. (her birthday is Thursday & they were hoping she could go home for her birthday) When we got up to her room, both her Mom & her Dad were with her. They told us that she had a procedure done today to put a tube in her chest to drain excess fluid. She looked very pale & she had an oxygen mask on. When she saw us, she said, "Dad, I wanna go walk". Her Dad told her, "Not today!", which made her start to cry.
Please pray for our sweet little friend! We know we continue to be blessed by your prayers!
Thank You!!! Jeff, Dana & Callie

Tired Out From Therapy!

2008-10-06T11:41:00.004-07:00

Callie really tried hard in therapy today. She initiated alot on her own! In her last therapy, her tummy was a little full (she got more rice pudding in speech!) so she threw up on her first outfit, so we had to change her whole outfit, bows & all!!!
Callie really likes to play with this piano, especially the microphone, only this time she konked herself in the head with it (my poor aching head!!)

Awesome Sunday

2008-10-05T20:04:00.004-07:00

Today was such a nice day! We really have enjoyed it being General Conference weekend. It all just seems so timely. I loved Elder Eyering's talk today & of course Elder Hales. So inspiring. I hope you all could see the "unity" E. Eyering talked about is what we see happening with the ENORMOUS EXPANSIVE outpouring of LOVE & Compassion at this time! It is awe inspiring to see. Thank you all so much. Even the comments (that I don't know how to respond to) make such a difference! I know we are truly ONE big family & I feel it so much across the lines of .relation, religion or region! We TRULY are ONE!!!
We really missed the kids this weekend & can't wait until they can come down again!!! We love you all! Know that Dad, Mom & Callie are missing each of you & hope to see you all soon!
We have had many wonderful visits this weekend! One set of visitors, was a special family from home, the McKneille's (Wade & Kim ~ I probably messed up the last name spelling ~ the little girl with Cal is Emma's friend Paige) Kim has been fighting to beat cancer since last school year & is nearing the end of her treatment. She is so inspiring & has looked so beautiful through it all! It is so tender to me that they would come see us! They let us know that their son, as well as Debbie Finch's boy, just received their mission calls. That is so wonderful!
We had many other family members come to visit, very special visits! (Callie even woke up for them!)
Aunt Kelli & Aunt Kim sat with Callie on Thursday night so that Jeff & I & cousin Erika Dalton could go up to support Marcus at his football game in Payson. It was so cute, Kelli said to me on the phone, "Callie loves to clap for herself, doesn't she!", I was so suprised! I said, "you mean she CLAPPED!" It is so exciting to see Callie's progress from day to day & moment to moment!
We Thank Our Father in Heaven for all of you & for the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, that gives us hope & increases our Faith that Callie can be restored to her active little self!
Our hearts are so full of Gratitude & also with love for ALL! Thank you & May each of you be blessed without measure!!! Jeff, Dana & Callie

OWIE!!!

2008-10-04T20:38:00.004-07:00

OK! I had to post one more time tonight. I was taking out her ponytails & kind of pulled her hair a little &
she actually let out a little scream & said OWIE!!
That is the most vocalizing she has done.
Jeff & I just looked at each other in amazement! EXCITING!!!
So I just had to share!!!

She's got Apples on her Shirt, Boots with the Fur!

2008-10-04T20:27:00.004-07:00

Last week when the Aunties were here, one of them sang "She's got Apples on her Jeans, Boots with the Fur. . ." anyway, I've changed the song up a little for Callie. Sing along with it on our playlist if you like! I couldn't resist!! My creativity only got me the first few lines though.
Here goes, "She's got an apple on her shirt, boots with the fur, Her whole team is looking at her! She hit the floor (working hard on the "floor" in physical therapy) next thing you know, she's gonna Go, Go, Go, Go, Go, GO!!! :) Silly Mom!!!

New Friends!

2008-10-04T15:36:00.004-07:00

This is the first weekend that the kids haven't been able to come down to see Callie! We really miss seeing them & look forward to seeing them soon.
Callie gets a rest from all her therapy on the weekend, so we ventured out to find a little girl we met last week. She is such a sweetie!
Callie is getting alot better at sitting, then she can sit & play with her friend in the playroom. Her Mom sent us these pictures of her.
They are praying for Callie as we are also praying for her.
We got to play for awhile this evening! It helps to fill the void of not having the kids here this weekend!

Love to All & Gratitude for EVERYTHING!!!

'Look Ma' No Feed Tube!!!

2008-10-04T11:17:00.004-07:00

Last night Callie pulled her feed tube out 5 times!!! They even taped long socks on her to keep her from it & she managed to have those off almost as soon as they walked out the door!
We are nearing the end of her 4th week at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
As I look back at all the has transpired, I am in awe of the rapid progress that she has made! I know that with the continued help of God, good therapists & all of YOU, that Callie's progress will continue.
I apologize for the posting draught (my sisters let me know they were having withdrawls :) silly Aunties)! I forgot to charge my phone the night before last so I didn't have my phone with me during therapy sessions.
Tuesday will be evaluation day for Callie. We're anxious to see how that all goes! We invite any that would like to join us in fasting for Callie. Our specific focus is for the nerve that controls the muscles on the left side of the face as well as the part of the brain stem that controls the eyes.
We love & appreciate all of you & your continues support of our family! May the Lord pour out His rich blessings upon each of you individually & intimately as only He can is our prayer for you.
All our Love, Jeff, Dana, Callie & Family

Push-ups!

2008-10-02T12:48:00.004-07:00

Callie held her head up so good as she pushed up on her arms in therapy!

After 4 sessions of therapy, she crashed out in her chair!

Callie's first trick of the day!

2008-10-02T07:18:00.004-07:00

The first thing Callie woke up this morning (or shall we say,

was woke up(: ) this is the position she took (from her back) all by herself!!!

YEAH!! Callie!

Callie's first day to EAT!!!

2008-10-01T20:57:00.004-07:00

Today was a first for Callie! So far in speech therapy (ST~from now on; also PT~physical therapy OT~occupational) has gotten to chew frozen lemon swabs, goldfish crackers in guaze, ICE~sometimes with SOUR spray on it & Gummy worms in guaze. She has only been allowed to swallow from the ice & swabs. Today was the first time for her to be allowed to take food into her mouth & swallow~Lemon Yoplait Yogurt~ YUM! She got down about 5-6 bites before it was time to go to PT-OT. She did several things today that she has not done before & she did some things better than she has been able to before. Bishop Van Winkle stopped in for a visit & was able to watch Callie during ST & PT~OT. It is always great to have visitors! Because it'so late, I'll just put some pictures & let them do the talking!
(the last pic is with OT Amy:)

Nyt Nyt & love & thanks to ALL!!! Dana & Cal
Oh!!! Also, we got MOvEd AgAIN!!!